Freedom vs. Order
photo by Randy Rasmussen
Freedom and order are
not necessarily contradictory principles; most of us value them both. But sometimes
they come into conflict and we are forced to choose between the two. For many this conflict presents a painful
dilemma, but for some the choice appears to be an easy one, even an automatic
one.
It’s strange how
those who automatically side with order and authority against those who attempt
to exercise freedom tend to be precisely those who usually boast most loudly
about loving and defending freedom, so long as it remains a noble abstraction.
“Congress shall make
no law… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of
the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress
of grievances.”
- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution